"Andy!"

He pulled her along a short distance into the alley, then pressed her up against the wall.

"Andy, for God's sake . . ."

He put his hands up against the wall, his arms on either side of her. "Give us a kiss."

"Andy . . ."

"Just one kiss."

"Yeah, right. It isn't going to work, you know."

"What isn't going to work?"

"You're not going to get me all hot and bothered so I'll ask you to spend the night. I told you, I've got a

long day tomorrow and I need to get somesleep ."

"Don't you get tired of sleeping alone?"

She sighed. "Are you going to startthat again?"

"Come on, why don't you move in with me?"

Maria rolled her eyes. "We've already been over that. Things are working out fine the way they are.

Let's not rush it, okay? Now, come on, let's go."

"Every time I bring it up, you always say the same thing. 'Let's not rush it.' We've been going together for

six months, for God's sake, and you know I'm serious about you. What is it, are you afraid of

commitment?"

"I amnot going to discuss this in some dark alleyway next to a stinking dumpster," she said. "Now come

on , I need to get home!"

She shoved him away and started back toward the street, but stopped after a few steps. There was

someone standing in the entrance to the alley, watching them.

"Andy . . ." she said nervously.

They could see a dark figure, wearing a long, hooded robe. As she spoke, the figure started to approach

them.

Andy took Maria by the arm and drew her back, behind him. "What do you want?" he demanded.

The figure kept on coming closer.

"Andy, let's get out of here!"

"The hell with this," said Andy, stepping up to meet the approaching stranger. He reached out and